Dedicated to Stoma CareDedicated to Stoma Care

Simon, colostomy since 2010

Hernia

Hints & Tips

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CONTENT

This booklet offers guidance to the person undergoing surgery which will result in stoma formation or for those post-operatively who may be at risk of or perhaps already have developed a parastomal hernia.

Please discuss the content with your Stomal Therapy Nurse (STN) if you require additional advice or support.

What is a parastomal hernia? .........................................3

Am I at risk of developing a parastomal hernia? ............4

What is my ideal weight? ................................................5

Practical hints & tips to reduce risk of developing a parastomal hernia .....................................6

I think I’ve developed a hernia - what should I do? .........7

Parastomal hernia management .....................................8

Exercise ..........................................................................9

Dansac would like to thank the following for their invaluable contribution to this booklet:

Sharon Colman BSc (Hons) Community Stoma Nurse Specialist, Norfolk.

Kevin Hayles Dip HE, RN Queens Hospital Romford, Essex.

Debbie Johnson RGN, Stoma Specialist, Dansac UK, London Community.

Jacqui North RGN BSc(Hons), Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist, Stoma Care, SE London Community.

Jo Sica Clinical Nurse Specialist, Stoma Care, Kingston CCG.

FOREWORD & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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WHAT IS A PARASTOMAL HERNIA?

Parastomal hernia is a common complication which can affect some people following stoma formation.

Research has shown that as many as 10-50% of patients may go on to develop a hernia.6, 9, 10

During your surgery an incision is made through the abdominal wall and muscle. This can result in a weakness in the muscle surrounding your stoma which may lead to a noticeable bulge behind or around the stoma.

Parastomal hernia is not always painful but can often be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Some patients describe a heavy, dragging sensation in and around their stoma.

The risk of developing a parastomal hernia is more common in the immediate post-op phase and decreases over time8. Herniation may however develop many years after surgery.

Please refer to the section AM I AT RISK?

Sideways view of a hernia formation

Example of a parastomal hernia

Hernia

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AM I AT RISK?

• Overweight or marked weight gain or loss11 - refer to ideal weight chart.

• Repeated abdominal surgery.9

• Steroid therapy.11

• Smokingsignificantlyincreasesriskofherniation.3

• Heavy lifting.8

• Excessive coughing, sneezing or vomiting.11

• Straining.11

• Previous history of hernia formation.9

• Poor nutritional intake.3, 7

• Pregnancy, especially if accompanied by excessive vomiting.1

• Muscles becoming weaker with age.2

• Stoma type – Double barrel or loop colostomy.2

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UNDERWEIGHT HEALTHY WEIGHT OVERWEIGHT OBESE

WHAT IS MY IDEAL WEIGHT?

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WHAT CAN I DO TO REDUCE THE RISK?

• Do not lift anything heavier than 2.2 kg (5Ibs) for up to six weeks after your surgery.11

• Manage your weight5 - Refer to ideal weight chart.

• Try to maintain good posture at all times as this will help strengthen your core muscles.

• Coughing and sneezing causes increased strain on your abdominal muscles. Place your hands against your abdomen, applying light pressure and support when required.

• For those who smoke it is strongly recommended that you seek advice to stop smoking.

• Research has shown that following a daily exercise plan can reduce the risk of herniation. Please refer to exercise section at the back of this booklet for an easy to follow guide.4

• Comfortable lightweight support garments should be worn at all times post-operatively. This has shown to be effective against hernia formation.4 Speak to your STN about these options. Please do seek advice for additional support garments if at increased risk.

• Avoid constipation (colostomy and urostomy).

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• Seek advice and assessment by your STN.

• You will require review of your stoma, skin and ostomy appliance as a parastomal hernia may alter thefitandsecurityofyourstomaproduct.

• Following assessment your STN may recommend an alternative support garment more appropriate to your needs.

• If you irrigate your stoma (colostomy) you may experiencesomedifficulty.YourSTNwilladviseaccordingly.

• If experiencing abdominal pain or discomfort seek advice for analgesia.

I THINK I HAVE DEVELOPED A HERNIA

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Conservative management with support garment

• This is the primary management of parastomal hernia and is achieved with the wearing of support garments.

• A range of hernia support garment options are available on the Stomal Appliance Scheme (SAS) and medical wholesalers, ask your STN about your options. Appropriate selection depends on the size of your hernia and your own individual preference and needs. It is importantthatyoufindacomfortablegarmentthatyouare happy to wear all day, everyday whilst providing you with the necessary abdominal support.

• Two types of support garment are commonly used:

• Hernia Support Belts. These come in several widths and designs. This depends on the size and shape of your abdomen.

• Control Top Garments. There are many types including brief, boxer and vests.

•AllofthesegarmentsneedtobeexpertlyfittedbyyourSTNoraqualifiedgarmentfitter.

• Support garments rarely interfere with stoma function, however occasionally a hole is required to accommodate the stoma pouch. Your STN will advise.

Surgery

• Most parastomal hernias do not require surgery. However, if the hernia is causing pain and/or becoming unmanageable, surgery may be considered. As with all operations that require an anaesthetic there are associated risks.

• Having a hernia repair does not guarantee it will not reoccur.

• Discuss options with your STN and surgeon.

MANAGING A PARASTOMAL HERNIA

Female

Male

Support belt

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EXERCISE

• Preparing your body before surgery is as important as following surgery to reduce the risk of developing parastomal hernia.

• Physiotherapists generally recommend you commence gentle abdominal exercises 3-4 days after surgery unless otherwise advised by your surgeon or Stomal Therapy Nurse. Please refer to page 10 for suggestions.

• It is important to persevere and carry out these exercises daily. It is a long term commitment to help prevent you from developing a parastomal hernia.

• Slowlybuildyouractivitylevelasyoufeelfit,aimingtoreturntotheactivelifeyou enjoyed before surgery.

• Walkingisagreatwayofkeepingfit.Startslowlywitha5-10minutewalkdaily,gradually increasing to a 30-45 minute walk by week 6 or until you return to your ability before surgery.

• If your work or leisure activities involve heavy lifting or strenuous exercise it is important that you seek advice from your STN.

• Exercise is a very important part of health and well-being. A long term exercise plan is recommended.

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1. Abdominal Exercise

(Lying)

With your hands gently resting on your tummy breathe in through your nose and as you breathe out, gently pull your tummy button down towards your spine. As you feel the muscles tighten try to hold for 3 seconds and then breathe away normally.

Ensure you are safe and comfortable before commencing your exercises. For support you may wish to place a pillow under your head, then bend your knees keepingyourfeetflat.Itisimportantthatyouperformexercisesgentlyandtoyourabilityduringthefirst6weeks.Theseshouldnotbepainfulorputexcessivestrainupon your abdominal muscles. Avoid sit-ups or abdominal crunches.

EXERCISE

2. Pelvic Tilt

Comfortably position your hands in the hollow of your back. Tighten your tummy musclesasbefore,flattenyour lower back onto your hands and tilt your bottom. Hold position for 3 seconds whilst breathing away normally.

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3. Knee Roll

Tighten your tummy muscles as before and gently lower both knees to one side as far as is comfortable. Slowly bring them back to the middle and relax. When ready repeat this movement to the other side.

GOING HOME TRAVEL

4. Abdominal Exercise

(Standing)

Stand with your back against a wall. Tightening your tummy muscles and attempt to keep you back in contact with the wall. Hold for 3 seconds and relax.

You should aim to do each of these exercises 5 times, 3 times per day. Do more repetitions as you feel able.

Maintaining this regime for upto 12 weeks after surgery may reduce your risk of herniation.

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Returning to all activities previously undertaken is extremely important. Remember you can be as active as you wish to be. Exercise can include, but is not limited to:

(Recommended by physiotherapists)

• Walking

• Pilates

• Yoga

• Tai Chi

• Swimming

• Aqua aerobics (Lifestyle examples)

• Golf

• Gardening

• Fishing

• Football

• Tennis

• Hill climbing

• Gym activities

• Skiing

• Scuba diving

It is generally accepted by Physiotherapists that most people can return to active exercise 12 weeks post surgery. This is whether you had a lapartomy (incision through your abdominal wall) or laparoscopic surgery (key hole surgery).

When aiming to participate in more strenuous activity it is important to build your strength and ability gradually.

EXERCISE SUGGESTIONS

Pia, ileostomy since 1993

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1. Aukamp, V., & Snredl, D. (2004) Collaborative care management of a pregnant woman with an ostomy. Complimentary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery. 10(1), 5-12. Doi:10.1016/S1353-6117(03)00077-5

2. Caracato, M., Ausania, F., Ripetti, V., Campolo, R., (2007) Retrospective analysis if long term defunctioning stoma complications after colorectal surgery. Colorectal Diseases:TheofficialJournaloftheAssociationofColoproctologyofGreatBritainand Ireland, 9(6), 559-561.

3. McGrath, A., Porrett, T., Heyman, B., (2006) Parastomal hernia exploration of the risk factors and the implications. British Journal of Nursing 15(6), 317-21

4. North, J. (2014) Early intervention, parastomal hernia and quality of life : a research study. British Journal of Nursing (stoma supplement), Vol 23, No 5, S14-18

5. Parmar, K., Zammit, M., Smith, A., et al (2010) A prospective audit of early stoma complications in colorectal cancer treatment throughout the Greater Manchester and Cheshire Colorectal Cancer Network. Colorectal Disease

6. RaymondTM,AbulafiAM(2002)Parastomalherniarepair–anovelapproach.Colorectal Dis 4(Suppl 1): 24-34

7. Russell DM, Leiter LA, Whitwell J et al (1983) Skeletal muscle function during hypocaloric diets and fasting: a comparison with standard nutritional assessment parameters. Am J Clin Nutr 37: 133–8

8. Thompson, M.J., Trainor, B., (2005) Incidence of parastomal hernia before and after a prevention programme. Gastrointestinal Nursing 3(2): 23-27

9. Thompson, M.J. (2008) Parastomal hernia incidence and prevention and treatment strategies. British Journal of Nursing (Stoma Care Supplement),Vol 17, No 2

10. Williams, J. (2003) Parastomal hernia. The ia Journal

11. Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse Society (2010) Management of a patient with a faecal ostomy: Best practice guideline for clinicians. http://www.wocn.org/ Accessed June 6th 2015.

REFERENCES & SUGGESTED READING

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Dansac AustraliaPO Box 375Box Hill, 3128Victoria, Australia 1800 880 851www.dansac.com.au

Dansac New ZealandPO Box 62-027Mt WellingtonAuckland0800 678 669www.dansac.co.nz